Million Dollar Raffle Drawing

The Kruth Talks: April 7

Today, April 7, marks the day of the Arkansas Million Dollar Raffle drawing. Did you get your ticket?

Two of the $10 raffle tickets will be awarded $1 million dollars, 540 will win $1,000 and 600 will win $100. All prizes must be claimed within 180 days from the date of the drawing. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. For more information visit myarkansaslottery.com.

Cultural Exchange

Congratulations to the University of Arkansas and the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences for being one of four collegiate institutions to receive a U.S.-China Education Trust grant. $20,000 was given to enhance the exchange program to China.

The program is part of President Obama’s “100,000 Strong” initiative to have 100,000 Americans study in China during the next four years. The Arts and Sciences division offers a major and minor in Asian studies, a minor in Japanese, and for the first time next year, a minor in Mandarin Chinese.

The curriculum website boasts that one in five, or more than 1 billion people, speak Mandarin Chinese. For more information email studyabroad@uark.edu.

NWA LAX

Lacrosse, a sport first originated by Native Americans and Plain Indians of Canada, is budding in NWA.

Growing up in Onondaga County, New York, I was very familiar with the sport, although, like football, it was only offered as a boy’s recreation. My senior year in high school, I was assistant coach to the first girl’s lacrosse team that began as a regional team.

Recently, I was thrilled to learn that NWA has its own lacrosse league, and although not a prominent high school sport, it is offered to both boys and girls. Based out of Bentonville, the sport is offered to grades K-12. Find out more at nwalacrosse.com.

Two Of The Greatest

A sweet and subtle congratulations to two people who have striven to accomplish the single most significant, influential and challenging mission in life: being parents. Unconditional love is not easy; it is earned. Happy anniversary — enjoy this day!

Amber Kruth provides a local perspective on news briefs from around Northwest Arkansas — tidbits that make you think and keep you informed.